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Problem or Paradise: Couples Watching Separate TVs

Time to relax in front of the TV at night. You go in one room, your partner another. Smart or scary?

Question: My hubby and I don't like the same TV programs at all. We end up in different rooms most night, even though we both work all day and then rush to take care of the kids. We're both comfortable with the arrangement, but does that spell distance and detachment down the road??

Answer from GalTime Lov Doc Jane Greer, Ph.D.: This happens to be a pretty common problem couples have that can lead to all kinds of friction and arguing over who watches what on television.

In fact, lots of times it is an issue that can turn into a huge power struggle: who controls the remote control, chooses what show is on,
flicks through the channels to see what else is on all (while their partner is steaming over not getting to watch a program that they were looking forward to.)

Another option is to do exactly what you and your husband do, which is watch the shows you each prefer separately.This lets each of you have the time to relax and enjoy what you like without feeling either controlled or that you have to sacrifice what you look forward to viewing. With today's busy schedules, sometimes a little alone time is just what the doctor ordered, even for a couple.

The only thing you might try to add to your equation: See if you can find even one show that you both like and then make a plan to watch that show together so you can build-in a little together time. Whether it's the news, a special event, a sports event doesn't matter as long as it's something that you both enjoy.

You don't have to worry about creating distance down the road since you have worked out an arrangement that is mutually agreeable to both of you. The most important thing is to make sure it is a true compromise, something you both accept. That quiet acceptance with no pressure can actually create intimacy for a couple.

Bottom line, get out the popcorn and relax. Enjoy our respective TV programs!

1. You wish you were Carol.

And not just because she's a huge badass. Though that's sure part of it.

Photo: AMC

2. Daryl Dixon makes you want to be a motorcycle.

Use your imagination.

Photo: EBay

3. Your coworkers do this to your desk.

When you're having a bad day or just don't feel like being productive, take a gander at a monitor you've never used covered with photos of Norman Reedus, who stars as Daryl Dixon on The Walking Dead. It's almost as good as the real thing. Maybe better when you consider in these shots he looks like he's showered in the last year.

Photo: Instagram

4. Your boyfriend leaves this in your fridge.

Because he understands.

Photo: Instagram

5. You really hated Beth.

Aside from being useless, Beth Greene was infringing on your Daryl Dixon territory. As in, you got territorial about a fictional character.

Photo: AMC

6. Daryl Dixon lives in your apartment.

Daryl Dixon also keeps your apartment safe from potential burglars by mean-mugging them with his crossbow through your windows.

Photo: Instagram

7. Your friends give you this birthday cake.

Daryl Dixon's biceps were f*cking delicious.

Photo: Instagram

8. Stuff like this comes out of you. Constantly.

And you mean it. You stocked up on Plan B just in case you have to pull a Lori.

Photo: Twitter

9. Although, if it's Daryl Dixon's kid, you might keep it.

And you'll name it "Lil' Asskicker."

Photo: AMC

10. Daryl Dixon keeps your feet warm.

It's the next best thing to a foot massage from Norman Reedus.

Photo: EBay

11. You sleep with Daryl Dixon every night.

You can even drool on him a little bit and he doesn't even get mad at you.

Photo: EBay

12. Your boyfriend lets you wear Daryl Dixon in a locket.

In fact, he buys it for you. He gets it. You have an understanding.

Photo: Instagram

13. Your boyfriend fears for his own life during 'TWD' finales.

My poor baby. (He's not wrong.)

Photo: Facebook

And not just because she's a huge badass. Though that's sure part of it.